BMU Hosts Cancer Lymph Lymphedema Rehab Workshop

To enhance post-cancer physical recovery and implement technology-driven rehabilitation solutions, a day-long hands-on training workshop titled 'Cancer and Lymphedema Rehabilitation' was held at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). On Wednesday (September 30), the event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (BSPMR) and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of BMU at Shahid Dr. Milon Hall. Designed with a sci-tech-first narrative, the workshop aimed to equip young medical professionals with modern biomedical assessment protocols and clinical expertise.

Presided over by BSPMR Executive President Professor Dr. Md. Taslim Uddin, the workshop featured BMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam as the chief guest.

Chief Guest Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam stated that conducting practical training on lymphedema management would play a highly effective role in controlling post-surgical complications and lymphedema in cancer patients, particularly those recovering from breast cancer surgery. Overcoming these challenges will streamline the recovery process, making patient care and therapy more manageable. He expressed hope that exchange programs between Turkey and Bangladesh would continue, expressing gratitude to international partners for providing global technical perspectives, knowledge, and clinical training for local doctors.

He further hoped for ongoing collaborative initiatives with Turkey, noting that opportunities should be created to send young doctors to Turkey for short-term clinical training. He reiterated his request to Professor Pinar Borman to facilitate short-term fellowships or specialized training on cancer-related lymphedema for young faculty members. Highlighting institutional infrastructure, he noted that the Department of Physical Medicine at BMU is a full-fledged department, and the administration remains committed to providing all necessary support for its expansion despite current spatial constraints.

Special Guest Professor Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at BMU, stated that rehabilitation is an integral component of disease management, though it often remains overlooked in the national healthcare context. He commended the Department of Physical Medicine and the associated society for organizing the event. He informed that during a faculty meeting held on Tuesday, a proposal was approved to introduce organ-based cancer treatment at BMU, which he believes will mark a new era in domestic cancer care and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

Professor Dr. Syed Md. Akram Hossain, Chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology at BMU, emphasized that lymphedema remains a critical, often irreversible complication post-surgery and radiation therapy. Citing studies from India showing a 13 percent incidence rate within two years among post-mastectomy patients, and a general prevalence of 5 to 6 percent, he stressed the need for early intervention right from day one post-surgery. He also proposed establishing a joint monthly clinic between the Clinical Oncology and Physical Medicine departments to streamline patient management.

The event was attended by Professor Dr. A. K. M. Motiur Rahman Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Department of Palliative Medicine; Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Mostafa Kamal; Professor Dr. A. K. M. Akhtaruzzaman, Division Head of Pain Medicine; Professor Dr. Mostafa Aziz Suman, Director of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital; and Brigadier General Dr. Irteqa Rahman, Director of BMU.

Scientific discussions covered current challenges in cancer rehabilitation, pain management, palliative care, and evaluation protocols. Practical hands-on training sessions were conducted by Professor Dr. Pinar Borman of Ankara Medipol University, enabling participants to acquire technical skills in managing lymphedema.

An interdisciplinary session titled 'Holistic Cancer Care Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration' highlighted patient-centric rehabilitation models. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Md. Nadim Kamal, the session was moderated by Professor Dr. Fatema Nayeem, and the vote of thanks was given by Dr. M. A. K. Azad.

According to organizers, integrating rehabilitation and health tech protocols is essential for improving physical independence and quality of life for cancer survivors, positioning this workshop as a key step toward advancing national healthcare standards. //DBTech/DMO/SMP/MIST//